Which brain target eases Parkinson's symptoms best? a Head-to-Head test

NCT ID NCT07745673

Disease control Sponsor: Zhongnan Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 04, 2026 · Last updated Aug 05, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called temporal interference stimulation (TIS) in people with Parkinson's disease. It compares two different brain targets—the subthalamic nucleus (STN) and the globus pallidus internus (GPi)—to see which one better improves motor symptoms. Eighteen participants will receive daily 20-minute TIS sessions for a week, with motor function and brain activity measured before and after. The goal is to find out if targeting one area is more effective than the other, which could help refine future treatments.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Temporal interference stimulation (TIS) targeting either the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or globus pallidus internus (GPi)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a more effective, non-invasive brain stimulation approach for managing Parkinson's motor symptoms, potentially guiding personalized treatment targets.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early exploratory trial with only 18 participants, so results may not be conclusive or generalizable. The stimulation is brief (7 days) and effects may not last. There is also a risk of skin reactions or other side effects.

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Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

About 18 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Started

Jun 2026

Expected to finish

Dec 2027

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

40 years and older

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adult males or females aged ≥40 years; 2. Diagnosis of idiopathic Parkinson's disease according to the UK Brain Bank criteria, with age of onset ≥40 years; 3. Previous or current treatment with dopamine replacement therapy (e.g., levodopa) with good response; 4. Hoehn and Yahr (H\&Y) stage 1.5-2.5; 5. Able to walk independently for at least 5 minutes without assistive devices; 6. No severe freezing of gait (FOG); 7. Disease duration ≥2 years since diagnosis, clinically stable, and able to comply with study assessments and interventions; 8. Stable medication regimen for at least 4 weeks prior to the study; 9. Signed informed consent form; subject or legal guardian is able to understand and willing to participate in this study. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Presence of other neurological disorders that may affect the study (e.g., ...); 2. Mild cognitive impairment or above (MoCA ≤23); 3. Orthopedic or other medical conditions that may affect gait or balance; 4. Contraindications to MRI, such as claustrophobia; 5. History of antipsychotic, antidepressant, or other medications that may affect dopamine levels; 6. History of other severe psychiatric disorders; 7. History of epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, or implanted metallic devices in the brain or heart (e.g., stimulators, pacemakers) or other contraindications; 8. History of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT); 9. Currently participating in other gait- or balance-related intervention training; 10. Physician-diagnosed cardiovascular risk factors for exercise.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Parkinson dis

How to take part

Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.

The places running it

1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
The official record

ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.

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A doctor treating you

A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.

Which brain target eases Parkinson's symptoms best? a Head-to-Head test

What the study statuses mean